Fáilte chuig Forbairt Ghairmiúil, Ar Líne & Sholúbtha Welcome to Online, Flexible & Professional Development
I am delighted to welcome you to our new Online, Flexible & Professional Development January 2025 Quick Guide. This guide will give you an overview of the flexible learning courses available at Atlantic Technological University, one of the largest multi-campus universities in Ireland.
We are very proud of the diverse range of online and flexible courses offered at ATU. As the leader in flexible learning, our course portfolio responds to student demand and delivers vital skills needed in the marketplace. We offer students the opportunity to study part-time from Higher Certificate right up to Masters level, in a range of disciplines aligned to industry demand.
Built on our expertise and in collaboration with industry partners, our accredited courses support students at all stages, regardless of location, to access and continue lifelong learning, develop new skills, and advance their careers.
If you join our ATU family, we will welcome you and provide all the guidance and support you need to fulfil your potential. We are dedicated to enabling sustainable economic, social, and cultural development; connected to and serving our region and with a mindset that reaches far beyond it.
Embark on your learning journey your way.
Dr Orla Flynn Uachtarán/President Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh Atlantic Technological University
Ár gCampas Solúbtha
Our Flexible Campus
As a student of Online, Flexible & Professional Development at ATU, you will have the opportunity to visit our campus locations for blended learning, workshops, guest lectures, lab sessions or to avail of our campus facilities such as library services and study zones.
Making this connection helps to foster a sense of community and shared learning experiences. We encourage students who have the opportunity, to visit one of our nine campus locations across the west and north-west of Ireland.
Galway City, Dublin Road
ATU Galway City’s building on the Dublin Road is one of Galway’s iconic landmarks due to the three distinctive sail-shaped copper panels at the front of the main building. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, science, computing, engineering, culinary arts, hospitality, tourism and heritage. Located in the heart of Galway’s thriving business parks, the campus offers ease of access for those wishing to undertake blended learning.
Galway City, Wellpark Road
ATU Galway City’s building on the Wellpark Road is located even closer to Galway City centre. The location is a hive of creative activity and is home to several creative enterprises. It offers courses in design, art, film and documentary, creative media and storytelling, animation and game design, and teaching (art, design and graphics).
Mayo
ATU Mayo offers courses in nursing, social care, early childhood education and care, community development and youth work, outdoor education, history and geography at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Co-located with the University hospital in Castlebar, the campus has a distinct strength in upskilling and continuous professional development for Nursing and Healthcare practitioners.
Connemara
ATU Connemara is located along a stunning coastline just over an hour from Galway City. The campus is home to over 200 students, studying a range of degree courses in furniture design and technology. The campus boasts state-of-the-art workshop facilities with the most advanced machinery and computer technology.
Mountbellew
ATU students in Mountbellew can choose between degrees in rural enterprise and agri-business, agri-engineering or agri-science. Students spend their time between the Mountbellew campus (one hour drive from Galway City) and the ATU Galway City Campus.
Donegal
ATU Donegal is a modern campus offering 40 postgraduate courses across Engineering and Technology, Business, and Science. Built on a foundation of strong collaboration with industry, Donegal offers flexible learning experiences that deliver real skills needed in the regional and national economy, particularly in areas of Technology, Nursing & Healthcare and Business Leadership.
Killybegs
The Killybegs campus is in Ireland’s premier fishing port which is rich in tradition and heritage. Students experience small class sizes and a personal approach to learning in a flexible and welcoming setting. The campus has an impressive reputation for delivering exceptional academic courses in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism.
Sligo
As Ireland’s leader in online learning, ATU Sligo works in collaboration with industry to offer a significant portfolio of flexible learning courses to meet skills needs within the region and beyond. With strengths in the Biopharma and MedTech sector, as well as accredited courses in Engineering, ATU Sligo offers students the opportunity to advance their career in a flexible and supported environment.
St Angelas
Over 1,600 students study full-time, part-time or online with ATU St Angelas. Courses are delivered across a range of disciplines including Education,Special Education, Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies and Home Economics, from Level 7 up to PhD Level 10. Students experience a personal approach to learning with many courses offering a balance of theory and practical elements to enhance their skills for the world of work.
Roghanna Staidéir Solúbtha Flexible Study Options
We understand that many of our part-time, flexible learning students are juggling work and family commitments, in between learning. Our focus has always been to deliver a flexible learning experience designed to suit you and your life.
To help balance work, life, and flexible learning, it is important to understand the time that you will have to dedicate to your studies. This will help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and achieve your goals while also working full-time.
For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.
Online
Learn online with ATU by attending live lectures through our online learning environment. Simply log on from work, home, or anywhere and be part of weekly lectures. Engage in discussions, live chat, and interact with fellow students and lecturers. Unable to attend? Recorded sessions are available within hours, so students can watch back at a time that suits them.
Blended
Blended learning is a flexible way of completing your course of choice, combining online aspects with in-classroom experience to allow for an accessible learning style. In a blended course, students may view lectures, access readings, ask questions and complete assignments online, so time in the classroom can focus more on discussion and activities.
On-Campus
Some of our courses are available to study fully on-campus and students studying an oncampus course will have the full in-classroom experience at ATU. Students will learn and experience all the practical elements in the learning outcomes. Guest lectures, tutorials and residential workshops may also be accessible to online students either via live streaming or as recorded sessions.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Working collaboratively is part of the college experience and part-time learning is no different. Group learning and assignments encourage peer support and small classroom sizes ensure students are supported throughout the learning journey.
Micro-credentials
Our Micro-credentials courses are short, accredited learning experiences that allow you to study flexibly and choose modules to suit your own professional development or skills needs. Micro-credentials are typically short in duration and time commitment and are usually 5, 10 or 15 credits. They are an ideal way to return to education, upskill in a new area, or further develop skills in a flexible manner.
Online Student Advisors
As a flexible learner at ATU, you will receive help and support from our dedicated team of Online Student Advisors who will be there to assist you throughout your studies. They will be your first point of contact for any non-academic queries or questions you may have, and they can provide you with any further information, support or guidance you require throughout your application process and studies at ATU.
Student Supports
No matter which study option you choose, Online, Flexible & Professional Development students have a range of supports available to them on their learning journey including access to academic writing and maths support, learning and disability support and library services.
An Creat Náisiúnta Cáilíochtaí
National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
ATU’s courses and qualifications are aligned with the NFQ. The NFQ is a tenlevel system (1-10) which gives an academic or vocational value to qualifications obtained in Ireland. NFQ levels help indicate how a qualification can be used for training, education and employment opportunities. As a Higher Education Institution (HEI), ATU provides awards at levels 6-10 of the NFQ.
Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of what a learner is expected to know and be able to do after receiving a qualification. Each level builds on the previous one and maps a pathway for learners to progress to higher level qualifications.
For further information on the NFQ, please visit: QQI.ie
ECTS Credits
The NFQ uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to measure and compare learning achievements across different qualifications. Credits represent the amount of learning achieved through a particular course or module and help learners to track their progress and build towards achieving higher level qualifications on the NFQ.
The ECTS also helps students to move between countries and to have their academic qualifications recognised by employers and HEIs. It allows credits taken at one HEI to be counted towards entry into another or to count towards an award, in another HEI.
Irish Register Of Qualifications
For more information on qualifications, providers and courses visit www.irq.ie
Cáilíochtaí Creidiúnaithe Accredited Qualifications
General Entry Requirements
All courses have specific entry requirements that applicants must meet to be accepted onto the course. Depending upon entry level, some prior qualifications may be required, and/or certain subjects or industry experience, to gain admission. Full details on the entry requirements for all programmes can be found on the ATU website or by contacting our Admissions Team.
Special Purpose Awards (SPA’s)
An SPA in the NFQ is designed to provide learners with a specific set of skills and knowledge. These awards are typically short-term and designed to meet industry demands, in particular sectors. The total number of credits for an SPA may vary from programme to programme. SPAs usually awarded as a Certificate within a major award.
Micro-credentials
At ATU, we offer a range of micro-credentials which are short, accredited courses that allow you to study flexibly and choose modules to suit your own professional development or skills needs. Micro-credentials offered by ATU are in the range of 5-15 ECTS credits. Students who complete a micro-credential are awarded a verifiable digital certificate.
Conversion Courses
Conversion courses enable learners to pursue a new career-path, within an area which may differ from their original qualification. Conversion courses are made available in areas where there are known skills shortages e.g. Engineering, Automation, Computing, Biopharma, MedTech.
Advanced Entry
Applicants may be able to gain entry to further stages of a programme where their previous educational profile, credits accumulated and experience are recognised.
Such applicants may be able to apply via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route, see atu.ie/rpl. Applications are individually reviewed by our academic teams to ensure that students are matched to the correct level course, that suits their learning and career aims. Students may be advised to commence at a lower-level qualification, before progressing to a higher qualification in a stepwise approach.
Progression
All ATU courses are aligned to the NFQ levels meaning you can enter a course at the level at which you are qualified to and build on your progress at a pace that suits you. Some students may choose to start at a Level 6 Certificate for instance, and graduate at that level or progress on to the next level within the same subject matter area. Other students, whose experience and academic history are given higher academic credits, may enter onto an Ordinary Degree (Level 7), an Honours Degree (Level 8) or a postgraduate qualification (Level 9).
International Students
Online and flexible learning is open to students in any location. ATU has a growing international student population online. We welcome and support our global learning community through forums, live streaming, recorded lectures and group assignments. Student Advisors and a range of online student supports are on-hand to help navigate all aspects of distance learning.
EU and Non-EU students can access the NARIC service on QQI.ie to help understand how their existing qualifications map onto the Irish NFQ.
Applicants, whose first language is not English, can learn more about the English Language Requirements on the ATU website.
Whether you’re driven by the complexities of the business industry, the transformative power of education, or the ever-evolving world of design, take the next step in your career at ATU. With part-time courses in leadership, business, finance, design, management and hospitality from Level 9 Masters to Level 6 Certificate, we have a variety of flexible courses designed to suit you and your life.
Dearadh, Oideachas & na Dána Design, Education & Humanities
Innealtóireacht & Ríomhaireacht Engineering & Computing
Many of our online and flexible learning courses within Engineering and Technology are accredited by relevant Industry bodies such as CIOB, SCSI, CABE and we also have funding opportunities through DASBE and LASTNG. This recognition ensures that your credentials are not just a testament to your skills but also open doors to the best opportunities in the field. Choose from part-time courses in areas such as computing, BIM, built environment, property services, sustainability and much more.
Eolaíocht & Slainte Science & Health
ATU are leaders in flexible learning within the area of Science and Health. In collaboration with NIBRT, we have developed a variety of part-time courses that focus on the core competencies demanded by the biopharma industry. We also offer courses in health, nursing and social care through online or blended learning, giving you the flexibility to invest in yourself and your career, while also balancing life commitments, such as family, work or caring responsibilities.
Springboard+ Course List
Short Accredited Courses
At ATU, we offer a variety of part-time Stand Alone Modules which are typically 1-2 semesters long in duration and are either 10 or 15 credits. Our Stand Alone Modules gives students the opportunity to study flexibly and choose modules to suit their own professional development or skills needs.
As Stand Alone Modules are typically short in duration and time commitment, they are an ideal way to return to education, upskill in a new area or further develop skills in an agile manner. ATU have Stand Alone Modules in areas such as Nursing, Health, Social Care, Education, Law, Business, Leadership & much more. Please see our Stand Alone Modules list below.
Transfusion and
Transplantation Science
Advanced
People
Conas Iarratas a Chur Isteach How to Apply
Before you Apply
Before you apply for a flexible learning course at ATU, we recommend that you research your course, through this prospectus and by viewing the course webpage. Please ensure to check the entry requirements and time commitment involved, as these vary from course to course. You will find details on entry requirements on the individual course webpage.
When to Apply
Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.
For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpages.
How to Apply
Applying for a flexible learning course is easy, simply visit the webpage of your chosen course and select the ‘apply now’ button, and follow the steps outlined.
Each campus has it’s own application process and for further information on these processes, please visit atu.ie/apply-now
Please Note
We have taken great care in compiling the information contained in the prospectus, which we believe to be accurate at the time of going to print. However, the provision of programmes, facilities, accreditation, and other arrangements described in the prospectus are regularly reviewed and may with good reason be subject to change without notice. Courses will run subject to sufficient student numbers. We recommend that you check the ATU website www.atu.ie for the most up-to-date information before making an application.
Riachtanais Lontrála Entry Requirements
At ATU, we have designed our online and flexible courses in a way that gives our students the option to graduate at different levels.
These levels include Special Purpose Awards, Level 6 Certificate or Higher Certificate, Level 7 Bachelor Degree, Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree and Level 9 Postgraduate qualifications.
This ladder system enables students to progress through to qualifications appropriate to individual requirements, previous qualifications, and work experience.
At ATU, every course is made up of a set of modules or subjects and each of these has a credit weighting. Credits is a universal term used to quantify learnings in higher education.
If you’re thinking about applying for a flexible learning course at ATU, please make sure to check the level of the course, the credits, and if you meet the entry requirements listed on the individual course web page.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process whereby evidence of learning (formal, non-formal or informal) that has taken place prior to enrolment in higher education is recognised and given value as part of your application process.
A fundamental principle of RPL is that a learner should not be asked to relearn something they already know. With RPL, prior learning can count towards entry, advanced entry, credit or exemptions from modules at ATU.
To apply for recognition of prior learning, please visit atu.ie/rpl
Scrúduithe & Measúnuithe
Examinations & Assessments
While continuous assessment occurs throughout many modules on our courses, many are also assessed by scheduled examinations at the end of each semester. The methods of assessments are specific to each course and the modules within that course.
Assessments in the forms of quizzes, practical labs and assignments are used to gauge students’ understanding of a topic throughout an academic semester.
For examinations, students may have to attend an in-person exam at an ATU nominated venue or at an ATU campus.
If you are studying a fully online course, it may be possible for the exam to be taken remotely via online proctoring, if you are an overseas student or a student with extenuating circumstances.
End of semester exams are typically held in January and May each year, and you may be required to take some time off work to attend these exams.
Full details of examinations and assessments can be found on our course webpages.
Táillí & Maoiniú
Fees & Funding
Fees vary for each course, it is important that you check the relevant course webpage for further information regarding the fees for your interested course.
Self-Funding
To help make payments more manageable for students who are self-funding, ATU has a variety of payment options that include payment per semester, in-full or by instalment.
Employer Funded
If your employer is partly or fully funding your course, you will need to organise payment through the ATU Admissions team with your employer.
Tax Relief
As ATU is listed by the Irish revenue as an ‘APPROVED INSTITUTION’ students are eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees. In order to determine your own eligibility and if the course you have applied for qualifies for a tax refund, please read the information on the Revenue website: www.revenue.ie/en/personaltax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions
Funding Opportunities
Many of our online and flexible courses have funding supports available to applicants for their tuition fees. These funding supports are available from a variety of Skillnets, DASBE, Springboard+ and much more. For a full list of the courses that have funding supports, please visit www.atu.ie/fees-funding
SUSI Grants Scheme
The Irish Government has approved a part-time fee scheme for SUSI funding. For programmes to be eligible for this scheme they must lead to an undergraduate major award, such as a Higher Certificate, Ordinary Degree, or Honours Degree.
You will need to complete between 30 and 50 credits each academic year, with any remaining credits arranged in your final year. Classes can be attended in-person or through a hybrid format that includes some in-person sessions beyond just registration, enrolment, or exams. Register your interest at atu.ie/flexible to find out about 2025/26 funded courses. www.susi.ie
Skillnet
Funding opportunities may be available from Skillnet Ireland to partially fund programme fees. For further information, please visit skillnetireland.ie
Springboard+
Each year, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) approves courses for Springboard+ funding. Applications for Springboard+ funded courses launch in May/June each year. Students interested in studying on a Springboard+ approved course must apply to Springboard+ directly and must meet Springboard+ eligibility criteria.
If you are a Springboard+ funded student completing a Level 6 course, it is fully funded by the HEA, and you are not required to make any payment towards your tuition fees. If you are employed and are completing a Level 7 - 9 course it is 90% funded and you are required to pay the remaining 10% tuition fee. If you are unemployed, Springboard+ will cover 100% of the course fees.
For further information visit atu.ie/springboard
Further Information
For full details on Fees, Funding and Financial Supports, download our guide at atu.ie/fees-funding
Líonra Iarscoláirí OTA ATU Alumni Network
Stay Connected for Life
Our ATU Alumni Network is a vibrant and diverse community of individuals who share your passion for knowledge and success. By staying connected, you’ll have access to a wealth of opportunities, resources, and support that can help you thrive.
Professional Development
Your fellow alumni are leaders and innovators in various industries. Networking with them can open doors to mentorship, career advice, job opportunities, and partnerships that can boost your career to new heights.
Continued Learning
Lifelong learning is a core value at ATU. Our alumni have the chance to engage in ongoing educational opportunities, from workshops and webinars to advanced degrees and certifications, keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date.
Stay Informed
Receive updates on the latest developments at ATU, research breakthroughs, and alumni achievements through newsletters and communications.
Your ATU Alumni Network is not just for today; it’s for a lifetime. Embrace this powerful resource, and let it be your guide and support system as you embark on your professional and personal journey.
For more details, please visit: atu.ie/alumni
Reduced Masters Course Fees
The ATU Alumni Office is dedicated to supporting the professional and academic growth of its network members through lifelong learning opportunities.
As part of our comprehensive benefits programme for members of the ATU Alumni Network, the ATU Alumni Office is pleased to offer a 20% reduction in academic fees for alumni who choose to pursue a Masters programme at ATU. This benefit, exclusive to ATU Alumni Network members, underscores the university’s commitment to building a lifelong connection with our alumni and supporting them in their ongoing educational endeavours. The reduction in fees is for members of the ATU Alumni Network. It can be applied to those who register on a Level 9 Masters Awards (90 credits) available across any ATU campus.
The discount can be applied to both full-time and part-time Masters Programmes, and includes all delivery formats, on-campus, online, or blended. Available from September 2024/2025. Some course exclusions will apply.
To be eligible, students must have graduated from ATU (including all legacy Institutes of Technology – GMIT, LYIT, IT Sligo and St Angela’s College) with a Level 8 Honours Degree AND applicants availing of this benefit must be registered with the ATU Alumni Office on the ATU Alumni Database.
This discount cannot be combined with other awards, scholarships, or discounts.
International students who have completed a full-time level 8 undergraduate degree are already eligible for an alumni discount on non-EU fees when progressing directly into postgraduate studies.
For further details on this benefit, eligibility, how to apply and further terms and conditions, please visit: atu.ie/alumni
Support Services
Careers Service
Our careers team are passionate about finding every student a career and future they will love. They advise on career options and postgraduate studies whilst also assisting with CV and interview skills. Their teams have well established links with local, national and international employers. Throughout the year they organise a range of workshops, careers fairs and employer skills talks. For further advice on postgraduate study opportunities, careers events and guidance, contact ATU’s Careers Service on: careers.donegal@atu.ie careers.galwaymayo@atu.ie | careers.sligo@atu.ie
MyCareerPath is an online 1-to-1 mentoring subscription service available from ATU. Designed for people in the workplace, returners to education, entrepreneurs seeking to upskill and people looking to accelerate their career and progress within their organisation. For further information and how to subscribe to MyCareerPath, please visit www.mycareerpath.ie
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process whereby evidence of learning (formal, non-formal or informal) that has taken place prior to enrolment in higher education is recognised and given value as part of your application process.
A fundamental principle of RPL is that a learner should not be asked to relearn something they already know. With RPL, prior learning can count towards entry, advanced entry, credit or exemptions from modules at ATU. To apply for RPL, please visit myexperience.ie/how-to-apply
Further Information
For further details on any of the information contained within this book, please visit www.atu.ie/january-start
Alternatively, you can email our admissions team
Sligo: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Galway-Mayo: learn.galwaymayo@atu.ie
Donegal: admissions.donegal@atu.ie
St Angelas: admissions.stangelas@atu.ie